I lived in an era where printed photos and Polaroid cameras were not vintage or a fad but were in fact the norm. Of course living through the digital revolution, I got to see these actual photos become a thing of the past or something that the younger generation looked at with fascination. And eventually, it became a new fad since everything old is new again. We’re now seeing the popularity of cameras that can print photos from your phone camera n a blend of the digital and analog. So we’re also seeing some more innovations for this particular product line, at least in concepts.

Designer: Samarth Saluja

Trance is a concept for a polaroid-like camera but adds a bit more modern functionalities to it. It’s not just a photo printer (like a lot of the polaroid-like products out there) but an actual digital camera that you can adjust and configure to capture the perfect photo at the moment. The name comes from the deep focus we fall into when trying to take photos that best represent our current experience. It has the usual features like a shutter, viewfinder, screen, zoom, dials to adjust focus and aperture, etc.

What makes this concept different from other cameras and printers are the incorporation of features that lets you create custom polaroids. The me2 button lets the photographer become part of the moment. By pressing this button after you take your photo, the front camera will take your selfie and then print it at the bottom of the polaroid. This way you’re still part of the memory of the moment even though you were behind the camera so to speak.

The other innovative feature of the Trance concept is Moments. It lets you access a brief playback of the scenes before and after the moment the photo was taken. It lets you have a more immersive experience of that moment in case you want to relive those times. The design of the camera itself is pretty standard for a camera and printer so it’s those features that can make this concept stand out.

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The complexion of digital media has rapidly changed in the last few years all thanks to platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. The short video format of 15-30 seconds has taken the world by storm, as the younger generation wants to display their lively personality with these short clips of expression. With this development, conventional cameras have taken a backseat as they no longer align with the fast content generation needs of the social media-conscious youth.

Smartphones are a good substitute but also come with some caveats limiting your creativity when shooting dynamic videos. The CLIPS camera is tailored for short-form content you want to make solo. It doesn’t require any additional equipment so you can concentrate on what your next viral video is going to be like. Virtually breaking you away from the barriers of content creation for quality footage on the fly.

Designer: Semin Park and Seona Jeong

This short-form camera is designed in a way to produce videos solo. It has a rotating structure on the right display to provide an ergonomic right angle for shooting as well as the convenience of holding for longer durations. The rotating screen allows the user to shoot videos with front and rear cameras with equal dexterity. Add to that the tilt adjustment for varying moods, and you’ve got a cinematic video shooting camera without the need for all the professional hardware. CLIPS can be set up on any level surface for shooting anywhere, anytime.

The concept centers around the portability and stylish elements of the overall design. Draped in an all-black body, this gadget has a premium feel to it. Those corners are contoured and textured for maximum grip which comes in handy when shooting at awkward angles. Just like any point-and-shoot camera of the 90s and 2000s, CLIPS gets two rotary buttoned dials on the top. This is for precise and intuitive operation with one hand. Also, it doubles as an input to intuitively view content information on the touch-enabled display or adjust the angle or tilt of the video being shot.

The second screen of this camera brings all the intuitive information in one place to have full control over the shooting prowess. The user can shoot in auto mode for a more convenient experience or choose manual settings for total command over the raw footage for maximum editing possibilities. CLIPS comes with the freedom to shoot self-shot videos in both horizontal and vertical orientations, as both modes have stable standing positions.

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Just like turntables, instant cameras have become quite the trend in recent years. Seeing a photo you may or may not have perfectly taken printed out immediately brings a kind of joy that was lost with digital cameras, smartphones, and the social Web. Those joys don’t always last long, however, as the limitations of these analog media, though delightful, eventually become chains that drag people’s creativity.

Thankfully, you can have the best of both worlds, and Fujifilm is more than happy to prove it. By combining the flexibility of a digital camera and the immediacy of a smartphone printer, the Instax WIDE Evo offers the simple joys of an instant camera when you want it, but also provides filters and effects when you want them. Best of all, it still comes wrapped in a premium analog aesthetic that makes the modern instant camera still unmistakably retro in spirit.

Designer: Fujifilm

Although instant cameras already have their own visual flavor, sometimes that isn’t enough for the budding photographer or content creator. Filters and effects are all the rage these days, but such results are only possible with smartphones or digital cameras and only seen on social media. That’s the kind of variety and creativity that the Instax WIDE Evo tries to offer without complicating the experience with menus and apps.

You have, in practice, 10 lens effects and 10 film effects that can drastically change the way your photos look. Plus you get to choose the degree of the lens effect, opening the door to dozens of possible combinations. The best part is that you control these using analog dials and buttons that match the retro theme of the instant camera. For example, you twist the camera lens to change the degree of the effect, and you turn a dial to cycle through the different film effects.

The retro nostalgia doesn’t end there. Instead of a button, the shutter comes in the form of a lever that gives a satisfying click for every shot you take. And yes, you can still half-press the lever to lock the focus first. Want to take in more of the view? Switching to a wider angle doesn’t involve tapping on a screen (which you can’t do anyway) and instead requires pushing a manual switch. You even have to turn a crank to print a photo These analog controls perfectly match the black and gray motif of the camera, making it look like you squashed a DSLR into a square.

The Instax WIDE Evo definitely has plenty of other modern amenities to delight shutterbugs and creators, like a 3.5-inch LCD screen that lets you see the final result even before it gets printed. There’s also a Bluetooth connection with a paired smartphone to get the most out of the companion app, which lets you not only see what others have taken but even copy the combination of effects they used. And, of course, you get a printout as soon as you want, using Fujifilm’s special wide film format, allowing you to instantly share your masterpieces as many times as you need.

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OBSBOT, known for its advancements in smart videography, has unveiled two thoughtfully designed products to enhance user experiences across diverse applications. The OBSBOT Tiny SE, an AI-powered PTZ Full HD webcam, and the OBSBOT Meet SE, an AI-powered Full HD webcam, cater to gamers, remote workers, content creators, and professionals. Here’s an in-depth look at these two new webcams, designed with thoughtful engineering and user-focused features.

Designer: OBSBOT

OBSBOT Tiny SE

The OBSBOT Tiny SE features a sleek and functional design with a two-axis gimbal, providing smooth pan and tilt capabilities. It is designed to keep users perfectly framed during live streams, presentations, or virtual meetings. This makes it particularly useful for professionals who often need to move during their presentations or gamers who want their movements captured without any distortion.

Its advanced sensor technology includes a 1/2.8-inch Stacked CMOS sensor with a 2.9μm pixel size and an f/1.8 aperture, delivering vivid colors and sharp details even in low-light environments. The inclusion of dual native ISOs and Staggered HDR ensures consistent image quality, no matter the lighting conditions. The Tiny SE provides ultra-smooth video recording at 1080P with 100 frames per second, making it an excellent choice for dynamic use cases such as fitness instructors recording workout sessions or YouTubers creating tutorial videos.

This webcam is powered by a Deep Learning Neural Network, which supports AI-powered tracking features. It can track body parts, hands, or zones, adapting to the specific needs of the user. Additionally, gesture controls allow for hands-free operation, a feature highly appreciated by chefs, crafters, or anyone who needs to keep their hands occupied while presenting. The preset functionality simplifies adjusting camera angles and settings, saving time for busy users.

With its minimalistic yet professional appearance, the Tiny SE fits seamlessly into modern workspaces. Its sturdy build ensures durability, and its compact form makes it easy to mount on a laptop or monitor. Users will find it particularly beneficial for creating professional-quality content or participating in high-stakes virtual meetings where clear visuals and precise tracking make a difference.

OBSBOT Meet SE

The OBSBOT Meet SE is a compact and lightweight webcam designed for those who need portability without sacrificing performance. Weighing only 33.2 grams, it’s incredibly easy to carry and install, making it perfect for students, freelancers, and remote workers who often switch workstations. Its clean lines and modern aesthetic are further accentuated by the availability of three attractive color options: Aurora Green, Space Grey, and Cloud White.

The Meet SE excels in video performance, offering 1080P video resolution at 100 frames per second, which ensures smooth motion and vibrant visuals. This makes it ideal for activities such as virtual classes, casual live streams, or family video calls. Its 1/2.8-inch Stacked CMOS sensor and Staggered HDR work together to maintain image clarity and vivid colors, even when lighting conditions are less than ideal.

AI Auto Framing is a key feature of the Meet SE, adapting seamlessly to different scenarios. Whether it’s a one-on-one video call, a group meeting, or a content recording session, the Meet SE ensures the subject remains centered and in focus. Gesture controls further simplify its operation, making it accessible even to those unfamiliar with advanced technology. The OBSBOT Center software enhances its functionality, offering features such as Bokeh, Auto Focus, and Beauty Mode. These features make the Meet SE a versatile choice for users who need a balance of functionality and ease of use.

With its lightweight design and straightforward usability, the Meet SE is particularly suited for educational settings, casual live streaming, and day-to-day communication needs. Its compatibility with popular platforms like Zoom, OBS, and Twitch ensures that it integrates effortlessly into existing workflows, making it a reliable tool for various user profiles.

Both the OBSBOT Tiny SE and Meet SE webcams emphasize OBSBOT’s commitment to making AI-powered imaging technology accessible. The Tiny SE offers dynamic tracking and advanced gimbal functionality, ideal for professionals and creators. Meanwhile, the Meet SE’s portability and user-friendly features cater to everyday needs, ensuring high-quality performance in a compact package.

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Back in my university days, I took up film as my major. I never really got to practice it but some of my fondest moments involved tinkering with analog video equipment, like the Super 8s and 16mm cameras. While kids these days have it easier with all the digital cameras and equipment, there’s something about those old school cameras that trained old-school filmmakers to be creative and adaptable.

Designer: Juliana Iacono

Because almost everything old seems to be cool again, it’s not surprising that someone would conceptualize a fully functioning Super 8 camera again. This one is called Fusion but rather than just lean on the retro feels, it reinterprets it to what it would probably look like today. You get a retro-futuristic aesthetic but with some parts still recognizable (at least for those who know it) as an 8mm film camera.

The concept features a rotating handle that folds flat so it’s easy to carry around. It also has raised textures so it’s easier to grip the camera and a built-in lens cap to protect the lens. It also has pops of color in its mostly monochromatic shade of white to highlight key touchpoints of the device.

As a concept, it looks pretty cool and since I used to actually play around with it, it’s something I would love to have. But how it would actually work now in terms of its analog features, developing and processing, that is something that they would probably work out if it becomes an actual product.

The post Super 8 camera concept brings retro-futuristic aesthetic first appeared on Yanko Design.

Our smartphones have become our most powerful ally in creating content, not just because of the apps they can run but also because of their ability to capture moments almost instantly. Their cameras have become so capable that they easily rival point-and-click shooters and their Internet connectivity makes it so easy to click and share on the go. It’s the live streamer and aspiring “Instafamous” online celebrity’s magic tool for sharing anything and everything.

All that power, however, also comes with unnecessary complexity and distractions since these are still phones after all. Digital cameras offer a simpler experience but their size and style often clash with Gen Z aesthetics. This camera concept tries to rethink the problem and bring those two worlds together to produce a design that obviously caters to the needs and tastes of the social media crowd.

Designers: Eslam Mohamed Hassan, Ahmed Elminshawy

If you’ve ever seen live streamers or social media influencers, you’ve probably noticed the typical behaviors and patterns. They quickly pick up their phone to snap up a photo or go live on video then tap away on the screen to instantly share the moment with a gazillion hashtags. Sounds easy enough, except for the fact that these people are also easily distracted by notifications and other people’s posts that they end up quickly losing momentum as well.

InstaPocket is a camera design concept that takes the smartphone away from the equation without forcibly disconnecting people. Unlike a smartphone, it’s dedicated to taking photos or recording videos and then sharing them on social media. To be honest, you can still get lost scrolling through Instagram and X, but that’s pretty much the only other thing you can do there.

A digital camera can also “shoot and share” these days, but the InstaPocket concept adopts a design that takes inspiration from social media trends. In other words, its rounded square shape is easily identifiable as Instagram-inspired, if the name wasn’t already a dead giveaway. It creates a deeper connection between the user, the product, and the actions taken, making the activity feel more integrated into the social media feed.

The unconventional square yet slim design of the camera also allows for leeway in terms of controls. An integrated scroll wheel in the corner of the camera offers a more precise way to zoom in and out of the scene, while the camera lens ring lets you change the lens aperture more fluidly as well. Its pocket-sized body makes InstaPocket easy to slip in and out of, well, pockets, allowing creators, influencers, and everyone in between to quickly capture the moment without missing a beat.

The post The perfect pocket camera for content creators and influencers is a thin square first appeared on Yanko Design.

Your phone has 10x zoom, or maybe it’s a flagship and it has 30 or 40x zoom… but does it have 1200x zoom?? Meet the iMicro Q3p, a tiny fingertip-sized lens that sticks onto your phone camera, turning it into a highly potent microscope. Designed to work with pretty much any phone camera, this ‘fingertip microscope’ simply glues onto your camera lens (using a nano-suction gel pad), and lets you see the world in a way that you’ve never seen before. The incredible magnification is backed by a crossed polarizer filter that helps transparent objects like plastics, crystals, liquids, etc. look even more dynamic under the lens, bringing your microscopic world to life.

Holding the iMicro Q3p for the first time, it’s hard not to be struck by how unassuming it looks. A microscope that can magnify up to 1200x and resolve details smaller than a micron, yet it feels lighter than a coin. If you didn’t know better, you might mistake it for a floor protector or rubber stud from under any home decor. But the moment you attach it to your smartphone and peer into its lens, the Q3p begins to redefine your sense of scale—and perhaps your sense of wonder.

Designer: QingYing E&T LLC

Click Here to Buy Now: $40 (Limited Price) Hurry! Only 55 of 700 Left.

A zoom factor of 1200x is honestly no joke. You can analyze pixels, microfibers, crystals, and even look at cell clusters in certain plants/fruits/vegetables.  The iMicro Q3p is the result of a 6-year journey since 2018, with 6 different editions that have only gotten better with each year. The original fingertip microscope from 2018 could only go to 200x zoom – the Q3p does 6 times better than that, letting you see even more intricately the tiny micro-objects that make up our world. The polarizer is a new addition too, bringing vivid detail to the mix.

The microscope’s polarizing function is its secret weapon. Polarized light transforms otherwise bland or indistinct samples into vibrant, detailed mosaics of color and contrast. Take a birefringent (dual-refracting) crystal, for instance: under standard lighting, it’s a collection of muted textures, but under the Q3p’s polarizing lens, those same textures explode into rich, intricate patterns. This is the kind of imaging that professionals in materials science or biology might use to glean crucial details. Except here, it’s achieved with a fingertip-sized device that costs a sliver of what professional equipment demands.

What makes the Q3p so compelling isn’t just its technical specs—it’s how accessible it feels. Microscopes are typically associated with labs, complicated setups, and long learning curves. The Q3p throws all of that out the window. Its setup takes seconds: a nano-suction pad attaches the lens to your phone’s camera (and can easily be removed after), a simple stand lets you adjust the lens’ focus, and the app does the rest. Before you know it, you’re zooming in on the intricate veins of a leaf or the crystalline structure of a grain of sugar. Macro photography never stood a chance…

Its portability is another story altogether. Microscopes, even the so-called “portable” ones, usually involve compromises. They’re still bulky, or their optical performance falls short of professional standards. The Q3p strikes a rare balance. At just half an inch thick and practically weightless, it’s genuinely thumb-sized. It’s designed to fit onto practically any smartphone, regardless of brand or variant. Tests show its distortion levels are negligible, even at the edge of its field of view, and its resolution is sharp enough to capture details on a chromium photomask—details as fine as 0.75 microns.

Once attached, the fingertip microscope practically blends into your smartphone. It’s so small you’ll barely notice it’s there. No parts protrude awkwardly, even with the stand attached. The packaging, too, is clever—a thin polypropylene case that doubles as a lighting box. It’s not flashy, but it’s functional in a way that enthusiasts will appreciate: every detail has a purpose, and every feature is pared down to its essence.

The Q3p is more than an impressive gadget; it’s an ecosystem of possibilities. Its applications span from professional research to casual exploration. Imagine a field biologist examining mineral samples in situ, or a teacher using it to show students the hidden world in a drop of pond water. Even for someone with no professional use for it, the Q3p can turn everyday objects into microcosms of discovery. That stray fiber on your sweater? Suddenly it’s a landscape of intricate twists and weaves. A grain of table salt? A crystalline marvel. The world around you becomes a playground for curiosity.

You’d think a 1200x zoom lens would cost a pretty penny, but the iMicro Q3p is about as affordable as your phone case. Professional polarizing microscopes can cost thousands of dollars, placing them firmly out of reach for most. The Q3p, by contrast, is priced at a mere $40. For the cost of a dinner out, you can own a device that performs at a level previously reserved for labs and specialists.

The iMicro Q3p invites you to look closer, to notice details you never knew were there. And in that way, it doesn’t just change how you see objects—it changes how you see the act of looking itself. It’s truly democratic, in the sense that it’s affordable, unobtrusively tiny, and works with ANY smartphone, attaching non-invasively onto your camera so that you can easily peel it off once you’re done. The iMicro Q3p ships globally, and its app is free to use on both iOS and Android devices. Grab yours now and step into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Because why just look when you can really see?

Click Here to Buy Now: $40 (Limited Price) Hurry! Only 55 of 700 Left.

The post This Ultra-tiny $40 Microscope Lens and Gives Your Phone Camera a Whopping 1200x Zoom first appeared on Yanko Design.

Action cameras are pretty much in demand now in the age of content creation as they are more practical compared to using digital cameras or even smartphones. We see the more adventurous type of creators or even just “ordinary citizens” as they do things like surfing, mountain climbing, skydiving, or even something more mundane like walking. One of the more popular brands out there is Insta360 and now they have released a limited edition version in collaboration with BMW Motorrad.

Designer: Insta360

The Insta360 X4 BMW Motorrad Limited Edition is similar to the original version. The main difference is that you have the BMW Motorrad branding on the back, in case you want to flex that as you’re shooting. They don’t really specify if they want it to be used as you’re cruising on your expensive motorcycle, but those who will get this variant will probably use it for that purpose. The two brands previously collaborated on creating motorcycle action shots content.

But otherwise, it’s basically just the Insta360 X4 which is not bad in itself as it boasts of impressive features like it’s 72MP 360-degree lens system that can capture 8L 30fps videos and 5.7k 60fps videos. You can even do some slow-motion videos as it supports 4K 100fps, 5.7K 120fps, and 3K 240fps recording. Other things you can do with it is shoot 4K 30fps ultra-wide-angle videos with a 170-degree field of view and 11K time-lapse videos.

This action camera has other advanced features like a 360-degree active HDR, Flow State stabilization, 360-degree horizon lock, wind noise reduction, and an invisible selfie stick. So if you didn’t have this camera yet but would like to have one to go on adventures with you, and if you’re a BMW Motorrad fan, then this would be a good sign to get one. Well, that is, if you’re in China since they don’t have information yet if it will be available in other markets.

The post Insta360 X4 releases variant in collaboration with BMW Motorrad first appeared on Yanko Design.

Imagine adding a whopping 10x optical zoom to your iPhone 16 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Forget the moon, you could take pictures of a moon base with it! Jokes aside, the cameras on our phones are growing more and more powerful each day – but the only thing really changing is the algorithm that processes photos. The key differences between a DSLR and a phone camera still remain – the size of the sensor (which lets more light in), and the size of the lens (which enables a camera to see wider, closer, or farther). While phone sensors have been growing larger and larger, the camera bump has limited the lens’ capabilities… but this snap-on 240mm telephoto + macro lens is upgrading the smartphone photography game.

If you’re wondering how much further smartphone photography can go, the Super Telephoto 240mm Lens designed for the iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung S24 Ultra might be your answer. This lens promises to revolutionize how we capture everything from sweeping landscapes to intricate macro details. With a striking 240mm focal length, it offers a 10x optical zoom that pushes beyond the limits of the typical smartphone camera, bringing distant scenes into sharp, professional-quality focus. It’s built specifically for flagship devices like the iPhone 16 Pro’s 5x telephoto camera, which means it’s engineered to align seamlessly with Apple’s Tetraprism camera system, allowing for a reach and clarity that’s previously been out of reach for mobile users.

Designer: Reeflex

Click Here to Buy Now: $270 $395 ($125 off) Hurry! Only 11 of 130 left. Raised over $316,000.

The magic starts with the 10x magnification, which practically doubles the reach of standard 5x smartphone telephoto lenses. Imagine this: you’re at a concert or a sports event, seated far from the stage or field, but thanks to this lens, you can capture close-up, high-definition shots of your favorite band or the action on the field. The 240mm focal length offers a staggering zoom but it also brings sharpness and detail that might make you forget you’re using a smartphone at all. Even from the back of the venue, this lens can bring subjects into crisp focus, giving users the freedom to take professional-grade shots with ease.

Having a natural telephoto lens also means benefitting from natural bokeh rather than that computational AI-powered portrait mode with the inconsistent edges. The Super Telephoto 240mm lens is also designed to enhance portrait shots with natural depth, compression, and creamy bokeh effects, all from three to five meters away. The 10x optical zoom gives portrait shots a beautiful subject isolation that you usually only get from traditional telephoto DSLR lenses. This feature is perfect for portrait photographers who want to create striking, professional-quality photos directly from their smartphone.

Want to switch from telephoto to macro? Well, that’s when the ReeMag System comes handy. This magnetic attachment setup allows users to easily switch between telephoto and macro photography modes with a simple snap. Using magnetic add-ons, you can instantly transform this lens into a macro powerhouse. It’s as simple as snapping on the add-ons, no complex adjustments required. For macro photography enthusiasts, this lens setup is a game-changer. The 200mm and 300mm magnetic macro add-ons allow you to get detailed close-ups of subjects at comfortable distances. This means you can capture intricate textures like the delicate veins of a leaf or the patterns in an insect’s wings, all without having to get uncomfortably close.

The ReeMag system also applies to all of Reeflex’s earlier award-winning lenses from its G-series, like the Anamorphic 1.3x lens, the 110° Wide Angle lens, the Long Range Macro lens, or even the 220° Fisheye lens. Alternatively, Reeflex also lets you use the ReeMag system to snap on filters like its Variable ND filters, and CPL or polarizer filters that help you further fine-tune your shot for that DSLR-like feel. It’s a nifty ecosystem that Reeflex has developed that lets you explore different accessories and shooting styles with your existing flagship smartphone.

Designed with high-end smartphones in mind, this lens integrates particularly well with the latest Apple and Samsung flagships. For iPhone 16 Pro users, the 240mm lens aligns with the 5x telephoto camera, meaning that it takes advantage of the Tetraprism system for optimal results. On the Samsung S24 Ultra, the lens offers similar enhancements, working seamlessly with Samsung’s top-notch camera specs to elevate mobile photography standards. Users of these devices can expect a noticeable upgrade in quality, even when pushing the lens to its maximum zoom capabilities. This focus on compatibility highlights the thoughtful design of the lens, which makes it one of the few add-ons crafted to meet the demands of flagship smartphones’ advanced hardware.

Reeflex isn’t new in the smartphone camera game. Aside from its award-winning G-series smartphone camera lenses, the company has also developed dedicated smartphone apps for capturing and recording media. These apps let you access pro features as well as capture in unique formats such as long-exposure or even time-lapse. With over 300,000 downloads on the App Store, Reeflex’s hardware + software handshake makes it perfect for serious photographers who want to push smartphone photography to its maximum.

Depending on the bundle you buy, the Reeflex Super Telephoto 240mm lens kit starts at $270, which includes the telephoto lens, along with a set of 300mm Macro and 200mm Macro add-on lenses. You also get a smartphone case (iPhone or Samsung) to help you easily mount the lenses onto your phone. You can upgrade to include some of Reeflex’s original G-series lenses with your bundle too (there are bundles for Macro or Portrait photographers), or just splurge on the $1,158 Ultra Kit which includes all of Reeflex’s previous lenses and filters compatible with the ReeMag system. The lenses ship globally starting January 2025, so if photography is your passion (or your new year resolution), grab your kit now!

Click Here to Buy Now: $270 $395 ($125 off) Hurry! Only 1 of 130 left. Raised over $316,000.

The post The Best Camera Lens for iPhone 16? Meet The Reeflex Super Telephoto 240mm Lens with 10x Zoom first appeared on Yanko Design.

DJI has unveiled its latest aerial photography innovation, the Air 3S drone. Featuring a dual-camera setup with a 1-inch-CMOS primary camera and a 70mm medium tele camera, the Air 3S promises to enhance travel photography and videography to new heights. This new model offers improved 10-bit image quality, allowing for more vibrant colors in photos and videos. The enhanced ISO capabilities also ensure superior performance in low-light conditions, capturing breathtaking details that surpass those of the current DJI Mavic 3 Pro.

Image: DJI Air 3S: 70mm

Designer: DJI

Advanced Dual-Camera System

The DJI Air 3S boasts an advanced dual-camera system that sets a new aerial photography and videography standard. According to Ferdinand Wolf, DJI’s Product Experience Director, “The DJI Air 3S takes our Air Series to new heights by offering professional features like dual primary cameras and omnidirectional obstacle sensing while retaining its lightweight of just 724g for boundless freedom and flexibility.” The Air 3S is the perfect all-rounder for travel photography, capturing special moments during vacations while ensuring safety and security during nighttime operations.

Image: DJI Air 3S

Complementing the primary camera is a 70mm medium tele camera featuring a 48MP 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor. This secondary camera offers a 3x optical zoom, making it ideal for portrait and vehicle shots with a compressed depth of field that adds a cinematic quality to footage. Both cameras support 4K/60fps HDR video recording and 10-bit D-Log M color profiles, ensuring consistent visual quality across both focal lengths and providing ample flexibility in post-processing. One of the standout features of the Air 3S’s camera system is its ability to capture images with up to 14 stops of dynamic range. This wide dynamic range allows for more detail retention in highlights and shadows, resulting in more balanced and professional-looking images even in high-contrast scenes. The improved ISO performance, with a maximum ISO of 12,800 in normal mode and 3,200 in D-Log M and HLG color modes, further enhances the drone’s capabilities in low-light situations.

Image: DJI

The Air 3S introduces a new Free panorama feature for both cameras, allowing users to create seamless panoramic shots by stitching together multiple images with manually selected subjects or areas. This feature, combined with the wide-angle and medium tele cameras, offers photographers greater flexibility in capturing expansive landscapes with rich details and minimal distortion. DJI has also implemented a more advanced video encoding compression algorithm in the Air 3S, which reduces video file sizes by over 30% without compromising image quality. This significant improvement in file compression saves valuable storage space and streamlines the post-production workflow for content creators.

Image: DJI Air 3S camera: 24mm

The dual-camera system is further enhanced by intelligent features like Subject Focusing, which keeps the subject in sharp focus even during manual flight or when the subject moves off-center. This allows pilots to concentrate on creative aspects of shot composition and camera movement without worrying about losing focus on their subject. Additionally, the Air 3S features ActiveTrack 360°, which automatically plans flight paths based on the surrounding environment to ensure dynamic shots that keep the subject in the frame, even when partially obscured by obstacles like bushes or bridges.

Overall, the DJI Air 3S’s advanced dual-camera system represents a significant leap forward in aerial imaging technology. It offers professional-grade image quality, versatile focal lengths, and intelligent features catering to amateur enthusiasts and professional photographers.

Enhanced Safety Features

The DJI Air 3S introduces innovative safety features that set a new standard for drone operation, especially in challenging low-light conditions. At the forefront of these advancements is the integration of forward-facing LiDAR technology, making the Air 3S the first DJI drone to incorporate this sophisticated sensing capability. This LiDAR system works with downward infrared time-of-flight (ToF) sensors and six vision sensors positioned at the drone’s front, rear, and bottom to achieve comprehensive nightscape omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Image: DJI

This advanced sensor array enables the Air 3S to automatically detect and navigate around obstacles during both flight and return paths, significantly enhancing safety during nighttime photography sessions. The LiDAR technology, in particular, excels in low-light environments where traditional vision-based sensors might struggle, providing pilots with greater confidence when operating in dim conditions or urban areas with complex structures.

The Air 3S also features an improved Smart Return-to-Home (RTH) function. This next-generation RTH system utilizes the drone’s enhanced sensing capabilities to plot safer and more efficient return paths. When adequate lighting is available, the drone employs real-time vision positioning and map construction technologies to memorize its flight path. This feature ensures a safe return even when taking off from locations without a strong satellite signal, such as indoor environments or areas with heavy tree cover.

Image: DJI

Another notable safety enhancement is the Air 3S’s ability to maintain stable flight in winds up to 12 m/s (approximately 26.8 mph). This wind resistance, combined with the drone’s advanced obstacle avoidance systems, allows for safer operation in various weather conditions, expanding the range of environments and scenarios in which pilots can confidently fly. The Charging Hub with Power Accumulation also allows users to effectively consolidate power across batteries, which is helpful for longer sessions.

The drone’s safety features are further complemented by its extended flight time of up to 45 minutes. This longer operational window reduces the pressure on pilots to rush shots or compromise safety to capture footage before the battery depletes. It also provides ample time for careful navigation and thorough environment assessment, especially in unfamiliar or complex shooting locations.

DJI has also implemented a Data Protection feature in the Air 3S. The Local Data Mode acts like an “airplane mode,” completely disconnecting the drone from the internet and ensuring that all data remains solely within the device. This feature addresses privacy concerns and provides an additional layer of security for sensitive operations or when flying in restricted areas. Additionally, the 42-GB built-in storage and Off-State QuickTransfer provide seamless file transfers without needing external storage or keeping the drone powered on.

These comprehensive safety enhancements make the DJI Air 3S a powerful tool for capturing stunning aerial imagery and a more reliable and secure platform for amateur and professional drone pilots. By prioritizing obstacle avoidance, stable flight, and data protection, DJI has created a drone that allows users to focus on their creative vision while minimizing operational risks.

Comparison with Mavic 3 Pro

The DJI Air 3S and Mavic 3 Pro are high-end consumer drones but differ in key aspects, such as their camera systems, design, and capabilities.

Image: DJI Air 3S

Image: DJI Mavic 3

• Camera System: The Air 3S features a dual-camera setup with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS primary camera (50MP) and a 70mm medium tele camera (48MP). In contrast, the Mavic 3 Pro boasts a triple-camera system with a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad main camera (20MP), a 1/1.3-inch CMOS medium tele camera (48MP), and a 1/2-inch CMOS telephoto camera (12MP). While the Air 3S lacks the long-range telephoto of the Mavic 3 Pro, its primary camera offers higher resolution and potentially better low-light performance due to its larger sensor size.
• Image Quality and Video Capabilities: Both drones support 10-bit video recording. However, the Air 3S has improved its ISO performance, with a maximum ISO of 12,800 in Night Mode and 3,200 in D-Log M and HLG color modes. The Mavic 3 Pro’s main camera can shoot at a higher resolution of 5.1K/50fps, while the Air 3S tops out at 4K/60fps. However, the Air 3S’s new video encoding compression algorithm reduces file sizes by over 30% without compromising quality, a significant advantage for storage management.
• Flight Performance: The Air 3S offers a maximum flight time of 46 minutes, slightly longer than the Mavic 3 Pro’s 43 minutes. Both drones feature omnidirectional obstacle sensing, but the Air 3S introduces forward-facing LiDAR for improved nighttime obstacle avoidance. The Air 3S also has a reduced weight of 724g compared to the Mavic 3 Pro’s 958g, making it more portable for travel photography.
• Smart Features: Both drones offer advanced tracking features, but the Air 3S introduces a new Subject Focusing feature that keeps the subject in sharp focus even during manual flight or when the subject moves off-center. The Mavic 3 Pro, however, has a more versatile camera system for different shooting scenarios due to its third telephoto lens.

Pricing and Availability

The DJI Air 3S has several configurations to suit user needs and budgets. The base model, DJI Air 3S (DJI RC-N3), retails for $1,099 and allows pilots to use their smartphones to check the live feed and flight status1. This entry-level option provides an accessible price point for enthusiasts looking to experience the advanced features of the Air 3S without additional accessories.

Image: DJI

DJI offers two Fly More Combo options for those seeking a more comprehensive package. The DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo (DJI RC-N3) is priced at $1,399 and includes several valuable accessories1. This bundle comes with the DJI RC-N3 remote controller, an ND filter set for managing exposure in bright conditions, two additional batteries to extend flight sessions, a battery charging hub for convenient power management, and a shoulder bag for easy transport.

Image: DJI

The premium option, the DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo (DJI RC 2), is available for $1,5991. This package includes the DJI RC 2 remote controller, which features a built-in 5.5-inch 1080p screen with 700-nit brightness, eliminating the need for a separate smartphone. Like the other Fly More Combo, it includes an ND filter set, two additional batteries, a battery charging hub, and a shoulder bag.

The Air 3S’s pricing strategy positions it as a more affordable alternative to the higher-end Mavic 3 Pro, which starts at $2,1992. This pricing makes the Air 3S an attractive option for enthusiasts and professionals who want advanced features without the higher cost of the Mavic series.

Image: DJI

Compared to its predecessor, the Air 3, the Air 3S offers significant upgrades in camera technology and safety features while maintaining a similar price point. This value proposition will likely appeal to users looking to upgrade their existing DJI drones or those entering the prosumer drone market for the first time3.

The post 5 Reasons Why the DJI Air 3S is the Ultimate Prosumer Drone for High-End Photography first appeared on Yanko Design.